[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 19 (Wednesday, February 3, 1999)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E133]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


                  IN MEMORY OF ADMIRAL HAROLD E. SHEAR

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. SAM GEJDENSON

                             of connecticut

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, February 3, 1999

  Mr. GEJDENSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise with sorrow following the passing 
of Admiral Harold E. Shear of Groton, Connecticut on February 1, 1999. 
Admiral Shear served his country in the United States Navy for more 
than four decades and helped to create the modern ballistic missile 
submarine force which serves as an indispensable element of our 
national defense.
  At age 10, Harold Shear began his long career at sea by working on 
his step-father's fishing boat. He entered the U.S. Naval Academy in 
1938. His class of midshipmen graduated five months early due to the 
Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor. After a brief tour aboard a surface 
ship, Harold Shear joined the submarine service. Over the course of the 
next twenty five years, he was promoted through the chain of command in 
the submarine force. He served as commanding officer of the diesel-
powered submarine U.S.S. Becuna (SS 319) and the nuclear ballistic 
missile sub U.S.S. Patrick Henry (SSBN 599). During the Cuban missile 
crisis Harold Shear served as ballistic missile submarine officer on 
the Joint Chiefs of Staff. In this capacity, he ensured that our force 
was mobilized quickly in order to demonstrate to the Russians that the 
United States was prepared to take all steps necessary to remove 
offensive nuclear weapons from the island.
  In 1967, Harold Shear was promoted to Rear Admiral. Throughout the 
early 1970s he served in a series of high-level Naval positions, 
including commander-in-chief of U.S. Naval Forces in Europe. In 1975, 
Admiral Shear was appointed Vice Chief of Naval Operations--the second 
highest ranking Navy officer in the nation. In his final assignment, 
Admiral Shear served as commander-in-chief of Allied Forces in southern 
Europe. He retired from the Navy in 1980.
  Admiral Harold Shear served his country with honor and distinction in 
the Navy for more than forty years. However, he continued to serve his 
community well after retirement. He played a crucial role in an effort 
joined by many across southeastern Connecticut to revitalize the port 
of New London. Admiral Shear worked closely with me and others to 
convince the Navy to transfer State Pier to Connecticut. Then, he 
pushed the State to rebuild it and convert it into an international 
commercial center. Thanks to Admiral Shear's dedication, the Pier today 
is busy with activity as goods from across Connecticut and New England 
are loaded onto ships bound for destinations across the globe.
  Mr. Speaker, Admiral Harold Shear was an American hero. He defended 
this nation during some of the darkest hours of our history. He was one 
of the architects and chief strategists of the modern ballistic missile 
submarine force. He was an advocate for maritime trade. Having been 
awarded the Silver Star for conspicuous gallantry in action and Navy 
Distinguished Service Medal with Gold Star along with many other 
honors, it is entirely fitting that Admiral Shear will be buried with 
other great Americans in Arlington National Cemetery. The nation says 
goodbye to a great leader while southeastern Connecticut bids farewell 
to friend and neighbor.

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